Funeral for slain Phoenix firefighter honors fallen hero
May 24, 2013, 4:21 PM
The funeral services to honor Phoenix firefighter Brad Harper took place Friday afternoon in Peoria.
Harper passed away on Saturday night after being pinned between a fire truck and an ambulance while fighting a mulch fire in south Phoenix.
Dozens of people lined the procession route that extended from the North Valley to downtown Phoenix to pay their respects, including Patrick Moukheiber. He stood proudly along 67th Avenue waving an American flag.
“The entire community feels pain,” Moukheiber said. “I just want them to know that I am with them.”
The 23-year-old’s tragic passing has also highlighted the level of dedication, respect and love the Phoenix Fire Department shows their fallen comrades.
“We’ve had [Harper] with company 24/7. So we’ve never left his side until he has his final resting place,” Phoenix Fire Captain Tony Mure said.
Harper’s passing has shed new light upon the mourning and grieving process within the Phoenix Fire Department.
“We’ve been all night long sitting by his side, whether we’re at the coroner’s office or we’re at the mortuary, we’ve never left him alone,” Mure said. “That’s the dedication for the brother and sisterhood of our fallen.”
Harper’s final resting place will be Greenwood Memorial Cemetery.
